FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 31, 2016
MEDIA CONTACTS: Carole Trottere, Rebecca Cheng, Sam Marksheid, and Vicki DiStefano | (516) 869-7794
Town’s Pond View Homes Undergoing Extensive Renovations with Eye on Energy Efficiency
Program is designed to get more homes and businesses to install solar and lower energy costs
North Hempstead, NY – Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Council Member Anna Kaplan and the Town Board are pleased to announce that the Town’s Pond View Homes complex in Manhasset is currently undergoing an extensive renovation project that will update numerous infrastructure issues, as well as modernizing the units with new electrical wiring, paint, flooring and air conditioning units. There will also be 16 additional parking spaces added, a community room and a playground.
The expansive renovation is being completely funded by New York State Tax Credits, primarily provided by New York State Homes & Community Renewal and the New York State Housing Finance Agency. The project has also incorporated many energy-saving initiatives and increased accessibility standards. The Hagedorn Foundation, a Roslyn non-profit, donated $20,000 towards building the playground.
“As a result of these renovations, the residents of Pond View Homes and their families will have a safe, modern and attractive place to live,” said Supervisor Bosworth. “I have been visiting the work site throughout this project and I am really looking forward to seeing its completion in the fall. I would like to thank North Hempstead Housing Authority Executive Director Sean Rainey, who has been shepherding this immense project for the residents.”
“After viewing the condition of some of buildings' exteriors and fixtures, it was obvious that we had to do more,” said Council Member Kaplan. “I am proud to have stood with residents, my colleagues on the council and Supervisor Bosworth in securing the state funds needed to provide a safer environment for our most at risk families."
Pond View Homes, a 52-unit affordable family housing complex, was built in 1963 with units ranging from studios to 5 bedrooms. It has only been renovated once, about 18 years ago, since it was first constructed.
Highlights from the renovation project include:
• Expanded Parking: 16 additional parking spaces will be added to the existing 39.
• Unit Safety: Additional electrical outlets will be added to avoid the use of extension cords, and gas ranges will be replaced by electric ranges to avoid a gas leak or fire.
• Community Area and Playground: A large community room will be added for use by the residents. It will overlook the new playground.
• Energy Conservation: Exterior partition, ceilings, windows and doors of the units will be re-insulated. A high efficiency central boiler will provide domestic hot water and comfortable hydronic heating to the apartments. All appliances and lighting will be Energy Star rated. The rehabilitation will promote reduced energy costs by sub-metering each apartment and making the resident responsible for paying their own electric costs, which will be subsidized by an $80 monthly grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Green initiatives: Paints will that have low or no VOCs, metal framing and drywall will have recycled content and demolished and construction waste materials will be recycled.
• Quality of Life: The exterior of the complex will receive a facelift. Vinyl siding will be replaced with aluminum trim and siding. Entrance canopies and roof gables will be added and fresh paint will give the building a residential townhouse appearance. Interior upgrades will include soundproofing, new air conditioner units, fresh paint and new flooring.
• Infrastructure: Boilers and underground plumbing dating from 1963 will be replaced to ensure the future financial self-sustainability in the future.
• Accessibility: The NHHA will be ensuring 7 units will be fully accessible and adapted, move-in ready for residents with mobility impairment and 3 units for hearing and visual impairment.
“I am so excited about the renovation and moving into my new apartment,” said Pond View tenant Desiree Woodson. “They did a renovation years ago but nothing to this magnitude.”
The renovations began in October 2015 and will be completed sometime in the fall 2016. As buildings are renovated, tenants are placed in other temporary housing until completed. Several residents are already in their newly renovated apartments.
For more information please call 311 or (516) 869-6311.
Nassau County Legislator Ellen Birnbaum; David J. Gallo, president of Georgica Green Ventures, LLC; North Hempstead Council Member Anna Kaplan; North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth; Executive Director of the North Hempstead Housing Authority Sean Rainey; and Robert M. Pascucci, President of Jobco Inc.
Steven Roman, superintendent for Pond View Homes; Nassau County Legislator Ellen Birnbaum; David J. Gallo, president of Georgica Green Ventures, LLC; North Hempstead Council Member Anna Kaplan; North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth; Executive Director of the North Hempstead Housing Authority Sean Rainey; Robert M. Pascucci, President of Jobco Inc.; Lisa Vieira, project manager for JobCo Inc; Carmela Siragusa, property manager for Pond View Homes and Bill Kopetz, site supervisor.
Here North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Council Member Ann Kaplan have a look at the interior of one of the renovated apartments at Pond View Homes.